Charleston Bound, part 2

I am scheduled to talk to Dr. Massey this week, but she will not be in Charleston until the end of January. I have an appointment at Natural Breast Reconstruction Group on Dec 27th. I do not know if I am jumping the gun yet, though. I am meeting a local general surgeon tomorrow to find out the full path report (hormone receptors) & the MRI results regarding the lymph nodes. The radiologist & friend's husband radiologist and a friend who is a onco nurse said from the prelim report, they would be surprised if nodes were involved. I have a 3.1 mm invasive cancer with DCIS/LCIS. I am opting for a full MX with reconstruction. So depending on the nodes and anything else on the MRI, hopefully, I will be moving ahead with the MX. I just want good work and want this out of me as fast as possible.

 My mother w wants me to stay in this area (upstate SC) in case there's a problem. But, with Charleston a few hours away, I can't see not going to the best around. I thought about Emory as well, but after reading and studying, the Charleston option seems better.

Just praying for good outcomes tomorrow with no chemo or radiation needed & I can get this out of my body!

Brenda, thanks for the nipple shield link. I'm going to check locally. If I can't fined them, well, I have other stuff in my amazon cart just waiting to come to me!!

Good news, I think, the MRI does not show any lymph involvement at this point, but I knew that really cannot be decided until they are checked during surgery, but the MRI said small nodes!

And, boy, did I ever realiZe the need for a surgeon with whom you feel comfortable!! I will not get into details, but I certainly did not like the surgeon, how he spoke to me and how he resented the fact that I researched all of this. He gave me the line that he would be glad to assist if I wanted a second opinion, then when I told him that I wanted to talk to others, he said "Why? You've made your mind up?" That was just one comment, I could go on! (Im ain'tplayin' fast & loose with my life!)

Luckily, my GP is a neighbor and friend, I saw him out at dinner tonight and talked to him. He told me unequivocally how he felt (full MX) and he would be happy to refer me to where ever and order the tests needed for Dr. Massey. He even suggested that I call and set up and appointment to be the last one on Friday where we could go over everything and he could get things in motion for me. He only works part-time now (80 y/o) but is willing to help me with anything I need. Relief !!

Wow!  I am so far behind, I guess because it is the season and everyone is so busy focusing on everything else.  Adey, I haven't see a post from you since your surgery. How did everything go.  How do you feel and are you happy with everything?  Please do tell.

Nowords,  only about 5 days post-op for you.  How are you doing?  You are soooo right about Dr. Massey.  She is so talented and compassionate.  All we mermaids love Dr. Massey.  

Anne and Brenda,  glad to hear you are both doing well.   

Happy holidays everyone.  I love our sisterhood!  Linda 

Joni:  What wonderful news!  You couldn't get a better Christmas present than a new baby in the family!  Congrats to you and your family - you are in for a very special year!  How is your foot healing?  What are your plans for tats - Dr. Massey?

Linda:  How are you???  Any recent celebrity sightings or fantastic trips?  (I still can't get over your Steven Tyler encounter - I think of you every time I see him!).  

I am scheduled for my next surgery with Dr. Massey on Jan 31 and seriously considering attending her 1/28 Charleston symposium.  Like Joni, I am all recovered from my Stage 2B (unbelievably it has been a full year) - but think I will need a 2C before I go for the tats.  I haven't spoken with Dr. Massey yet and still owe her photos (waiting for insurance approval) but will be talking with her about a possible donor site revision (a few areas are bothering me that could be scar tissue/bursa?), slight nipple tweak and lipo.  I am particularly sensitive near my tailbone and wondering if anything can be done (I have a "bunny tail" above and pebble like bumps where the scars end).  

Glad to hear you are all doing well!  Take care! Liz

Hey ladies!  I'm doing well.  Not a lot of stamina yet but getting there.  My surgery was 13 hours.  Apparently I'm a "brick house".  (c:  I have nice warm big boobs and no holes in my pits anymore, yay.  My butt is very abused though, chomp, chomp.  Already looking forward to stage two.  Grama!  Congrats.  I look forward to that but not too soon as the girls are 17 and 19.  (c:  Take good care all.

Husband and I love the new boobs!  (c:  Well worth it.  I don't have a date yet but want it as soon as possible.  I think it will have to be in NOLA cuz she spends such a little time in SC.  I will see her next Tuesday here in Chicago and figure it out.  Yep, a drain out of each cheek.  I'm dreaming that she'll pull them Tuesday but really know better!  (c: 

Getting with Ashley today, I'll let you know!

I am now 1/02!  Phsst.

Hi ladies-

I am scheduled for surgery with Dr. Marga end of Jan in Charleston but my friends and family are now telling me they will fully support and help me with my surgery but they cannot travel to Charleston and that I should stay in NY for surgery. They think I should be able to find someone just as good local. Needless to say, I am so surprised. It's not like I'm going to Europe. They just don't see why I would not go with a NY PS. I want to see Dr. Marga. I have consulted with her and she makes me feel good about surgery. Anyone come across this with family and friends and what can I do? I am working on it but am loooking for alternatives because I don't want my desicion to become the decision they made for me. Very blue about this. I have traveled all my life for work but many of my hometown friends/family really never travel all that much. I am preplexed and sad. Ideas anyone? They just don't get how inportant it is for us to feel really good about our doctors.. 

How sad not to get the support you need right now! You did not enter into this decision lightly, and you are using a surgeon who had a true connection with you. Yes, you can find surgeons who do DIEP or GAP in NYC (I'm thinking of Dr. Robert Allen or Levine) but will they do stacked flaps or hip flaps if that's what is needed???

I agree with jacee above. Get someone for the days you're out of the hospital and for flying home, if that's all that can be done. It's time to put your foot down and demand some support from your family. I'll bet you've been there for THEM every time they asked!!

jessicav- I don't recall if you said this is a Stage 1 DIEP or what. But, you would be cared for com- pletely in the hospital. If this would be a stage 1 or stage 2, you would be discharged to a hotel room in the area for a few days. You would need someone to drive you from the hospital, pick up  prescriptions and be with you in the hotel. Then especially, you'd need someone to assist you in flying home. You don't want to be lifting any luggage. Talk to Ashley in Dr. M's office about your concerns. This does need to be your decision and what is best for you.

Hi Linda-

Thank you for the welcome to the thread. Felt good to come home to computer to find the wrods of wisdom here. Great advice! I am working in it. This is what I am doing...I think. End of Jan I am de-constructing with Dr. Marga. I spoke with her about it twice. I have been in intense pain from the implants and she said it would be good to get them out and get my strength back and then go for either Sgap or FG or other down the road. I have been posting for awhile about implant pain and it's just getting worse. I need a break from pain.

I am not sure about excess skin though after de-constructing. I am hearing loose skin only stays viable for a few months after de-constructing and then adheres to the chest  wall. If anyone knows about this.. input is so very welcome. And so, implants (bowling balls, cantaloupes) out and then hopefully healing and then decide. Also, I am now a size 0 as constant pain dampens the apetite to say the least. All so confusing and not sure if this is the route to go..but trying to trust my instincts whereas the first time around I was so uneducated about all of this and it certainly was not explained.